McMinnville is contestant for ‘Best Main Street’

Parade magazine received thousands of submissions when it asked for people to nominate America’s Best Main Street — and McMinnville not only made it into the top 16, it had won over Placerville, California, on Sunday to move to the top eight with voting continuing until 9:59 p.m. tonight, Monday, June 30.

Designed like a sports bracket, McMinnville is pitted against Georgetown, Texas. Also making the top eight are Holland Michigan vs. Siloam Springs, Arkansas; Rockland, Maine vs. Ellicott City, Maryland; and Collierville, Tennessee vs. DeLand, Florida.

The contest describes McMinnville, with a population of 32,545, as follows: “Many say this picturesque downtown looks like a movie set. Locals call the main drag ‘the living room of McMinnville,’ while the tree-lined street has comfort, charm, eclectic boutiques, award-winning restaurants, wine tasting stores, upstairs apartments, artwork, and a successful farmers’ market. Annual festivals such as the Turkey Rama and Alien Daze offer family fun.”

Georgetown has a population of 52,303 with the magazine giving it the following description: “This quintessential Texas downtown is full of historic restored buildings (including the County Courthouse) featuring Victorian architecture, towering Oak trees, restaurants, shops, and community activities offer something for everyone. Unique businesses include wineries, a locally-owned coffee shop, a brand-new art museum, a spa, a County museum, art galleries, a restored Palace Theater, beautiful Public Library and more.

The winner between the two will be matched against the winner of the Holland, Michigan and Siloam Springs, Arkansas competition.

The overall contest winner will be featured in an article in Parade later this summer.